Review Blog

Jan 11 2019

Lady Helen and the Dark Days Deceit by Alison Goodman

Lady Helen book 3. Angus and Robertson, 2018. ISBN
9780732296117.
(Age: 15+) Highly recommended. After devouring the first two books
in the series (Lady
Helen and the Dark Days Club and Lady
Helen and the dark days pact) the final in the trilogy set in
beautiful Bath does not disappoint with its thrilling mysteries and
heart rending romance. Helen is in the midst of preparing for her
wedding to the Duke of Selburn, while at the same time struggling to
learn to control her powers with Lord Carlston as part of the Grand
Reclaimer, in order to overcome the Grand Deceiver. Lady Helen
believes that Carlston's wife is still alive and must supress her
illicit feelings for him, knowing that she could love the Duke of
Selburn who is devoted to her.
Anyone who likes the Regency period will be fascinated with the
gorgeous setting. Bath of 1812 is described in detail as is the
country mansion belonging to the Duke of Selburn and the manners of
the time. The slow burning romance between Helen and Carlston is
fraught with difficulties, not least the engagement of Helen to
Selburn, and Goodman kept the tension of this going right to the end
of the book - it was virtually impossible to predict if it could be
resolved or to predict just who the Great Deceiver was! And there is
action galore as Helen and Carlston join together as the Grand
Reclaimer in the final fight against the dark powers that have been
unleashed.
An inventive, highly addictive series, part historical and part dark
fantasy, this series will appeal to lovers of the Regency period, as
well as those who enjoy books by Georgette Heyer and the The
Glamourist histories by Mary Robinette Kowal.
I can't wait to see what Alison Goodman writes next!
Pat Pledger